DECEMBER 2016
Welcome to December! Where has the time gone this year? It seems as if we just started out this year by reading through the Bible in a Year. How have you done? Whatever you have accomplished is better than when you started. I hope? Reading the WORD of GOD is only going to make you a better person. It has a story to tell along with some wonderful characters to model ourselves. We are so Blessed to know the words of Isaiah 9:6 which tells us, “6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Who brings JOY TO THE WORLD!
We can give Thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for being born into this world and to GOD for giving Isaiah the insight of the arrival of our Prince of Peace. Consequently, we have the opportunity to personally get to know JESUS. We are so Blessed to have the WORD of GOD to give us the stories and to hear of the proclamation of the Gospel; the Life of JESUS CHRIST! This gives us the ability to instill HIS character and virtues into our being (Galatians 5:22-23). What a Joy we should feel in knowing HE has come and given us the privilege to serve HIM.
During this wonderful time of year in giving and receiving gifts to family and friends I pray that each of you will also share the greatest gift of all to this world. The “LOVE” of JESUS CHRIST! He has so blessed you out of HIS Abundance. We may need to take time to reflect on what HE has done for us? (You’re Health, provisions, abilities, etc...) Then in turn ask ourselves, What are you doing for HIM? (Are we using our gifts HE has given to us, by Tithing, giving offerings to others doing the Kingdom’s Work, Praying, participating in the ministry of our church and when we are able being present at church, or helping others less fortunate than ourselves, etc.) We need to recognize God knows what we can and what we cannot do. To much is given, much is expected!
While we are enjoying this most wonderful time of year by celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ may we pour ourselves into others by sharing what we have learned in the WORD of GOD. How these precious stories and special experiences have helped us to learn how to build our families, church, community and our world of influence. May GOD give you a special touch from above to reach out and touch people’s lives one opportunity at a time?
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful family of God and community of faith here at Linden UMC. We (The Antonelli’s) appreciate each and every one of you for doing your part in this community of faith. You are an encouragement to our family to Press On and do the ministry GOD has called us to!
Let me close with Jesus' prayer for all people in the world from John 22:18-23. "18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" (NKJV).
The Antonelli family would like to wish your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!